Caprese Dip is a warm and cheesy appetizer inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. This dip combines the flavors of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, delivering a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Serve it with toasted bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced or shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- Toasted baguette slices, crackers, or veggies (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a small oven-safe dish or skillet.
- Layer the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle minced garlic over the tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the tomatoes are slightly blistered.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor, if desired.
- Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the Caprese Dip fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with your choice of bread, crackers, or veggies for dipping.
- Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to the dip. If using dried basil, reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.
2. Can I make Caprese Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best results.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina, and Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a slightly different flavor profile.
4. Is balsamic glaze necessary?
No, but it adds a sweet and tangy note that complements the creamy and savory flavors. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can skip it or use a splash of balsamic vinegar instead.
PrintCaprese Dip
A warm and cheesy Caprese Dip that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy-to-make appetizer combines gooey mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for dipping crusty bread or crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium oven-safe dish, combine shredded mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with extra basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try roasting the cherry tomatoes for 10 minutes before mixing.
- This dish is best served warm but can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature.